Summer School – FAQs

Who are the Harrow School Short Courses Activities Staff?

Some Harrow School Short Courses staff will be recruited directly from the member School environment, this includes School Alumni (previous students) or even former Harrow School Short Courses students that enjoyed our courses so much in the past, they have now become staff members themselves!

Where relevant, all sporting and other activities are instructed by qualified professional coaches. The Activities Staff supervise and instruct students in sports and other activities and encourage students to learn new skills. They will go on excursions with students and join in the evening social programme. Some staff members are resident and stay in the boarding houses to look after students in the evenings and at night time.

We welcome you and, after registration, we show you to your boarding house. You have time to unpack, to take a shower or rest. We make sure that you have something to eat. We help you to call your parent/guardian to say that you have arrived safely.

Please note that rooms may not be available until mid-afternoon.

When does the English language programme start?

The day after you arrive your English is assessed. You are then placed in a suitable class and your lessons begin.

What happens to my pocket money and travel documents?

Your passport, pocket money and tickets and any other valuables are collected on the day you arrive and looked after by us until you leave. You do not need money for programmed activities but it is a good idea to bring some pocket money to buy any additional snacks and souvenirs. As a guideline, we suggest £100 per week. Students are asked before excursions if they need to withdraw additional pocket money from our safe.

Our insurance policy covers for loss of cash of up to £250 only.

We strongly recommend that parents purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card for use in the UK. Parents can increase this if extra pocket money is required. Please note we cannot lend money to students under any circumstances.

Can I bring my laptop and expensive camera?

It is best not to bring valuables such as expensive cameras, jewellery or laptops etc as they are not needed during the course.

Please note we cannot issue students with keys to their individual bedrooms for reasons of personal safety but most rooms do have lockable cupboards.

Where do students live and sleep?

In boarding houses at the school. Boys and girls are accommodated in separate areas or Houses. There are members of staff in the House in the evenings and during the night. The House is securely locked at all times and only the Harrow School Short Courses students and members of staff resident in that particular house have access.

The accommodation is standard to UK boarding schools. The Houses have single, twin or triple study bedrooms. We will, where possible, take your rooming requests into consideration but we cannot guarantee to be able to fulfil them. Students studying at the same school will not necessarily stay in the same boarding house, have activities, lessons or excursions together. This is particularly relevant to Harrow Junior and Harrow Senior courses.

What clothes should my child bring and what about laundry?

Casual clothes for everyday wear

A warm coat (to protect from the rain)

Warm jumpers (this is England!)

Something to wear at a party

Walking shoes

One bath towel and one swimming towel

Toiletries (shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush etc)

Swimwear

Sportswear and sports shoes

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable

Some activities may include getting very wet and dirty so bring some old clothes and a pair of trainers.

Please refer to student handbook for clothing requirements for specific plus course elements such as drama, tennis and golf.

What about meals?

You eat most of your meals in the school dining hall. Hot food options, including vegetarian, meat and fish are provided at lunchtime, with salad and fruit as sides. Water is provided with meals and soft drinks machines are available at most schools.

Packed lunches are provided for excursions. Sometimes we pay for you to have a meal in a café or restaurant.

Drinks and biscuits are generally available in the lesson breaks.

What about special diets?

Please tell us at the time of application if you have any special dietary requirements.

What about the safety and welfare of students on the Harrow School Short Courses?

The course staff accompany you at all times. During excursions, the Activities Director may allow students aged 12 or over to go shopping in small groups without the supervision of the course staff, unless the parent or guardian writes to tell us their child cannot do this

Can I use the internet?

Yes. You have regular access to the computer facilities (except at Heathfield School). The Harrow School Short Courses schools’ computers have a filter system to safeguard students from accessing inappropriate internet sites. Some sites also have student Wi-Fi.

Can I follow my normal religious practices while I am on the course?

Yes. Please tell us at the time of application if you want to attend a place of worship and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Can I have visitors during the course?

Yes. They must arrange it with the Harrow School Short Courses Office in advance to make sure that you do not miss important classes or activities.

Can my parent/guardian/friend take me out during the course?

Yes. We must have advance permission in writing from your parent or guardian. The individual picking you up must also show photographic ID when collecting you.

What medical care is there?

All sites have medical backup either in the form of trained first aiders, or on site nurses. You must declare any medical conditions in advance so we can give you the best possible care while you are here.

Can I drop my child off at the airport/St Pancras Eurostar?

No, we would only collect the child arriving on a flight/train with a valid ticket confirming the arrival date and time. We will need the travel form completed and returned.

Can I meet my child at the airport on the day of departure?

Yes, for international flights the child will be dropped off no more than 3 hours before the flight departure time. Domestic/European flight no more than 2 hours before departure fight time. Eurostar no more than 1 hour before departure time. We would suggest if you want to meet your child to come to either the check-in desk or if you are late you will need to go to the departure lounge. Our staff will stay with the student until they are sent through the secure departure gates. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

If I am arriving by car, where should I come to register?

Harrow School: The Vaughan Library, High Street, Harrow on the Hill, London HA1 3HT

Dulwich College: College Road, London SE21 7LD

Heathfield School: London Road, Ascot Berkshire SL5 8BQ

Can I request to share a room with a friend?

Yes, we would need a written request (via email) by the parents/guardian of all the students who are wanting to share a room together. Without the written request from the parent/guardians of all students, we cannot try to accommodate this request. Please note, we will do our best to accommodate all requests regarding room shares (provided the students are in the same age grouping) but not all request can be guaranteed.